BUBBAS FINALISTS ANNOUNCED — NOMINEES INCLUDE BIG SURPRISES

The top three finalists in each of the Bubbas: Key West People’s Choice Awards have been decided by the voters, which means things will heat up in the daily voting contest that runs June 25 to July 16. This year’s first round of voting offered some familiar nominees, along with some monumental surprises. 

Two of the most notable shockers came in the categories of Best Local Celebrity and Best Family-Owned Business. 

For the first time since the Bubbas’ inception in 2014, the Best Local Celebrity will be claimed by someone other than Howard Livingston, who has carried the title seven consecutive times. Instead, two newcomers and two familiar faces, Landon Bradbary and Bill Hoebee, will face-off for bragging rights. They will be joined by two newbies and notable media faces, Gwen Filosa and the Keys Weekly’s very own Mandy Miles. 

“This is always one of the most popular categories because dynamic personalities naturally tend to be the most popular in a town,” said Keys Weekly Publisher Britt Myers. “It has been fun watching Howard defend his title. But it wasn’t a big surprise to see Mandy and Gwen on the list. Both have been great journalists throughout an active year of news and both remained in the public eye. And for Hoebee and Landon — let the shenanigans begin.” 

And in Best Family-Owned Business, three newcomers were nominated by the voters: Either Key West’s Finest, Ramona’s Conch Creations or Keys Armored Express will claim bragging rights for the first time. All three businesses are new to the category— it’s the first time this has occurred since the Bubbas began in 2014. 

“I think it’s great to see so many new faces and businesses nominated,” said Myers. “As the Bubbas have grown, the voting has increased dramatically, which increases the competition in each category.”

Myers said he believes several factors led to some new faces on the final ballot in 2021. Aside from eight years of growing popularity, social media has become the premier method to solicit votes for the Bubbas. And many of this year’s current nominees were notably active on social media, which provided a stronger platform for local campaigns. 

But make no mistake. Many previous winners are still on the ballot, which makes the 2021 Bubbas: Key West People’s Choice Awards one of the most unpredictable and exciting contests so far. Voters can log in once per day to cast a vote over the next several weeks. Voting ends at midnight on July 16. 

“I always remind people of two things,” said Myers. First, the voters decide the three finalists and the voters decide the winners. And secondly, it’s literally a win just to be nominated. It’s a subjective contest with one common goal: to raise money for  our annual nonprofit. If we can have fun while raising awareness for a great cause, then we’ve accomplished what the Bubbas were created to do.”

The 2021 Bubbas: Key West People’s Choice Awards winners will be announced Saturday, July 24 from the Key West Theater, which will host the eighth annual event. 

All proceeds from the 2021 Bubbas sponsors and ticket sales go directly to Wesley House Family Services. To learn more about Wesley House Family Services, visit wesleyhouse.org. 

2021 BUBBAS FINALISTS:

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